Feb 2022 folk nerd-folk fuc history
William Topaz McGonagall is widely regarded as the worst ever (famous) English language poet. His most famous work is "The Tay Bridge Disaster", written in 1880. He'd never let anything unimportant like meter or meaning get in the way of a good rhyme, or indeed any rhyme. His poems are marvellous, in a "so bad they're good" sort of a way. I want to think that he knew exactly what he was doing, even if he probably didn't, and so I had a go at writing a song about his life. I didn't intend for it to go on for five minutes. Oops. Here it is anyway.
Incidentally, he styled himself "Sir William Topaz McGonagall" after receiving a hoax letter that he'd been honoured by the King of Burma. I've taken some liberties with the story, but it's more or less accurate, or at least as accurate as his wikipedia entry.
This opens with the first few lines of the "Tay Bridge Disaster" poem. You might notice that I wasn't sure what the tune was most of the way through but I'm sure I'll work it out eventually.
(Spoken introduction)
"Beautiful Railway Bridge of the Silv'ry Tay!
Alas! I am very sorry to say
That ninety lives have been taken away
On the last Sabbath day of 1879,
Which will be remember'd for a very long time."
Every time I cross the waters of the Silv'ry Tay,
I think about the Diver on that Sabbath Day,
And literary genius, Sir William, lord of rhyme
Who told us of the tragedy of 1879
Disasters and catastrophes were favoured by his muse
Immortalising floods and fires and tales of gloom and doom
No need to worry about part of speech or tense
If there is a rhyme there is no need for meter or sense
McGonagall the legend, McGonagall the bard,
Poet and tragedian, of dubious regard
Mocked and jeered and ridiculed, the public showed their scorn
Well they've all been forgotten but your memory lives on
McGonagall was never respected in his day
And wishing for a patron, to help him on his way
Thought he would invite himself, reciting to the Queen,
Hiked up to Balmoral, but Victoria wasn't in
McGonagall the legend, McGonagall the bard,
Poet and tragedian, of dubious regard
Mocked and jeered and ridiculed, the public showed their scorn
Well they've all been forgotten but your memory lives on
By 1892 he swore he'd leave Dundee,
But seeing that the city rhymed with 1893,
He waited for a another year before he fled to Perth,
Then finally returning to the city of his birth
Becoming a cult figure of doggerel and verse,
But in his twilight years, his health was growing worse
Penniless and destitute, Sir William passed away,
Buried in the kirkyard in an unmarked grave
McGonagall the legend, McGonagall the bard,
Poet and tragedian, of dubious regard
Mocked and jeered and ridiculed, the public showed their scorn
Well they've all been forgotten but your memory lives on
They've all been forgotten but your memory lives on
@janeg Mar 2022
Now I know a lot more about him! A worthy tribute, warts and all.
@berni1954 Mar 2022
If McGonnagall's in heaven
He's applauding really long
The sentiments that you express
In this more than little song
Spike Milligan did a lot to revive interest in Sir William in the 1970s.
@abudabard12514 Feb 2022
One can only pray to be remembered in song like this. Cast the hero's image eternal in stars and ukuleles
@tseaver Feb 2022
What a fun write! You've done Sir William proud, here. The harp interlude is perfect.
@kenmattsson Feb 2022
McGonagall lives in all his glory in your song!
Clever writing and harmonica!
@cindyrella Feb 2022
How quirky, fun, and great storytelling! Enjoyed this a lot!